Sexual Violence Awareness Month is a month dedicated to raising awareness of the impact that sexual violence is having on our province, and to highlight the need for support and services to those affected by sexual assault.
May is declared Sexual Violence Awareness Month in New Brunswick to encourage citizens to reflect on the harm that results from sexual assault and sexual violence and to take time to consider how we can educate ourselves and our communities to be safer and supportive of all members.
We can all contribute by challenging myths and stereotypes about victims, toxic masculinity that is harmful to men and boys and attitudes and behaviours that normalize sexist jokes. Together, we must support gender equality efforts and ensure full understanding of what consent means.
Although May is the month in which we raise awareness of this issue, we must work towards safer, healthier communities every month of the year.